Finding Inspiration
By: LLy
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball, Dragonball Z, Dragonball GT. The Fall and Rise of Adam is a short story I plan on writing, so no disclaimer on that! J
A/N: Once again, thanks to those that have read and especially those that had reviewed!
^___^ Reviews are great encouragements! Thanks again!
Art was Pan's major in her university courses, but at her father's urging 'for extra security', decided to take a basic course in business as well. She supposed it couldn't hurt to get an extra degree, though it upset her a bit how lightly her father took her passion for art. But it wasn't all that unusual; her dad always did want his daughter to work in the teaching profession, like himself. At one time, Pan was tempted to pursue the life of a scholar just to please her beloved father, yet after deep thought and reflection, she concluded that she could not give up her own dreams simply to make someone happy. So to reach a fair compromise, it was decided that fine art would be her life's work, but she would also get acquire a bit of a business background just in case she needed something else to fall back on.
The smell of spring was in the air and Pan reveled in it. Looking around the large college campus, one would agree that it was indeed the arrival of spring. Large imposing trees, placed at diverse spots around campus to give it a 'natural' feel, had recovered from the harsh winter and was now growing verdant leaves to make up its previous loss. Lush, abundant grass surrounded the cement walkway which successfully further enforces the 'nature' persona. But the illustrious beauty the college had to offer is the rich plant and flower life blossoming in every corner. Daisies, marigolds, lilies, and roses aligned the walls of every building whilst patches of tulips, pansies, orchids, and daffodils make their appearances in numerous places as well. There was no doubt students take great pride in their learning environment.
The warm sunny atmosphere did wonders to Pan's down spirits. After spending just a few moments in the open air, Pan felt her mood lightened into a familiar amiable disposition. Somewhat impulsively, she gave a loud yawn and stretch then broke out into a huge mega watt grin. She felt a pull in her heart and wondered if this was the inspiration Mr. Sawa was talking about. She gave an overview glance back at the charming scenery, only followed it by an immediate shrug. 'I'll include it on the 'possibility' list and think about it later…I mean, shouldn't I be thinking about getting to class right now?!', Pan thought while simultaneously worrying over Trunks. 'I hope he's alright, maybe I should have prepared some aspirin for him before leaving…….'
Wandering students turned as they heard a shout "Argh, class!" frustratingly yelled out, only to see a flash of blue and a trail of dust…
Ah, how wonderful spring is!
Drama class, in Pan's opinion, had always been laidback, productive, and fun. However, today would probably be an exception. Pan realized the contradiction upon entering and noticing the sight inside the classroom. Groups of classmates were gathered around and were whispering in hushed tones and crossing fingers for luck. The majority of students had a nervous look in their face. Some looked a bit ill at ease. Even their postures radiated an anxious demeanor.
"Today must be the day a play is chosen for the school production," Pan realized with a start as she sat in her regular seat located in the back rows. "I'm kind of nervous myself."
"Ohayo, Pan-chan," a voice greeted Pan, ending her previous train of thought.
Pan swiveled to the source of the greeting and smiled in reply. "Good morning to you too, Keiko."
Keiko waved back, grinning like a cat, and without shame, skipped to her usual seat beside Pan and plopped down quite lazily and immediately set her head down to nap. Pan ducked her head to hide a smile that formed at witnessing her friend's childlike behavior.
It was not surprising that her very own best friend would be this lively, jovial girl sitting beside her. It seemed as if fate had wanted Keiko Oak and Pan Son to be friends the moment they set foot onto university ground. In fact it was Pan's first step on campus when she had collided head first into her future fun-loving buddy. Friendship had blossomed shortly after that. It only deepened as they soon learned that they shared many of the same classes and even share the same dorm room. Pan moved out after the required first year (while Keiko remained behind) but the two had already established a deep bond due to their meaningful friendship. Over the years, Pan came to realize several times that it was uncanny how much she have in common with the short, green-eyed girl.
"Did you turn in a script?" Keiko turned her face to the side of her arms, opening only one green colored eye to stare at Pan. Her other eye was still closed as she planned on going back to sleep.
"Yes, did you?"
"Nah, my heart is only in acting…so are you nervous?"
Pan snorted. "Of cour-"
The answer was interrupted as the door opened with a force and slammed shut just as quickly. The students standing around rushed to their seat and mutely eyed their teacher coming in.
"My, aren't we a silent bunch today?" the tall, longhaired brunette, woman commented to herself. With long graceful strides, she walked to the center of the classroom and vigilantly observed her apprehensive protégés. To the relief of several students, the unnerving teacher finally began to speak in her booming voice.
"As you all know, the big annual fall play is coming up and, as usual, the drama class is responsible for it." She adjusted the French beret on her head. "Not only are ALL school administrators, professors, as well as fellow resident students going to be present, but there will be significant people in the business there as well. " Her sunglasses glinted from the indoor lights. "After all, they flock to places like this to search for promising people." She sighed proudly. "Many of my students were discovered from this very auditorium. Musical directors, composition writers, choir singers, star actors…all derived from this university's yearly play."
"As tradition demands it, the student that writes the winning script gets to direct the whole thing as he or she sees fit. The entire play is left in his/her hands. As teacher, the only job I have in this is choosing the script." She smiled apologetically. "Many of these scripts are very promising, but I felt that this shows the most potential of all."
Some had crossed their fingers for luck, some chanted a silent prayer; but everyone held their breath.
"The Fall and Rise of Adam. A story of a human tragedy, the loss of hope, and the eventual rebirth of a man through guidance and love. By Pan Son."
The class erupted in cheers and congratulations. Some classmates were disappointed that theirs wasn't picked but congratulated Pan nonetheless. Pan was shocked to say and it was only when Keiko slapped her face did she recover.
"What was that for?!" She turned to her friend angrily.
"Heh, you zoned out and I brought you back." Was the simple explanation. She glared at the too innocent looking Keiko, but disregarded her for the moment to thank her congratulating classmates.
Teacher cleared her throat. "There's nothing else to do for today so you're all dismissed early. The scripts will be passed out tomorrow and stagehand crew, etc. positions will also be passed out tomorrow. Auditions will be next week. Dismissed."
Everyone filed and threw a grateful look at the teacher for the early dismissal. She only smiled and fixed her beret some more.
Keiko dragged Pan quickly to the exit, muttering about 'not a minute to waste" and 'hit all the parties from here to halfway around the world.'
"Good-bye, Ms. McKenzie," Pan and Keiko stopped abruptly to address their teacher a farewell for the day, before Keiko resumed her dragging.
The teacher, Ms. McKenzie, waved good-bye and took off her sunglasses. Pan realized she had pretty blue eyes.
Outside, despite Keiko's pleading, Pan would not consent to go partying until after dropping by home to visit (a certain someone we all know) first. After a very persuading discussion, she finally convinced her friend to go ahead and that she'll meet her afterwards after she finished some 'home business'. Keiko agreed reluctantly but left nevertheless.
Pan shook her head and smiled at her party animal friend. 'Kinda like Bra…' She immediately brushed away the memory and turned hastily to face the opposite direction where her apartment stood. Doing so, she crashed into someone and fell. Pan instantly apologized and helped the person up.
"It's all right………...Panny?!" The person exclaimed excitedly and had Pan in a tight hug.
"The vibrant blue hair..those crystal blue eyes..that familiar voice……..' Pan thought hurriedly. Slowly, realization dawned.
"Bulma!" Pan said delightedly. She returned the hug with just as must fervor.
The embrace broke eventually and Bulma affectionately tugged on Pan's hair.
"So this is where you go to school……" She looked thoughtful at the statement.
"What are you doing here, Bulma?" Pan was curious at why the older woman was doing at her college campus.
Bulma grinned and held up a folder. "Guest speaker. I'm supposed to give a lecture on business and its grand world. After all, I do own one of the most successful companies in the world."
Pan laughed at Bulma's mock smugness. "I'm glad it's still holding its place on top."
Bulma's smile became slightly forced after the statement, but before Pan could question it, she interrupted with a new suggestion.
"How about a drink?"
Curiosity and concern filled Pan. "Sure," she answered. "There's a new café I've been wanting to try out at Main St." Bulma nodded and the two began their walk out of campus.
"So what topic of utmost importance should we discuss?" Pan said, hoping to lighten the mood. They exited the guarded college gate and entered the civilian streets.
Bulma's face downcasted and her disheartened tone shone through her voice. "Let's talk about Trunks."
TBC-What does Bulma have to say about Trunks to Pan? What is up with Trunks?
Next chapter: questions are answered and Trunks finally makes a (conscious:) appearance.
Comments and criticisms are greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading and please remember to review!